This review presents the conclusions of a task force that set out to assess the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes and adverse birth outcomes in low- and middle-income countries; the data from trials comparing multiple-micronutrient supplements that contain iron–folic acid with iron–folic acid supplements alone; the risks of reaching the upper intake levels with multiple-micronutrient supplements; and the cost-effectiveness of these supplements compared with that of iron–folic acid. The findings suggest that countries with inadequate micronutrient intakes should consider multiple-micronutrient supplements for pregnant women as a cost-effective method for reducing the risk of adverse birth outcomes